ILLUMINATED DEVICES USING UV-LED&#39;s

ABSTRACT

A UV-LED is incorporated into a variety of different illumination and radiation devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with a CD/CDRW/DVD storage medium, gauges, promotional displays, knobs or buttons for automotive or electronic devices, as well as ornaments and air purification by decomposition. The indicia are made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles, commercial promotions and displays, electronic devices with the UV-LED&#39;s oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia and even positioned in a manner for air purification. Embodiments are presented for UV-LED&#39;s from above, the side, and underneath said embodiments of the invention.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/437,425 filed Jan. 2, 2003; and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/465,460 filed Apr. 28, 2003; incorporated herein by reference. Thisapplication is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No.10/751,204 filed Jan. 2, 2004.

The subject matter of this application is also related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/139,660 filed May 7, 2002, entitled“Improvements in Illumination Devices for Watches and otherInstruments”, incorporated herein by reference, now U.S. Pat. No.6,729,738.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to an improvement in illuminationdevices such as indicator gauges, which may comprise a meter panel,directional gauges, used for example in motor vehicles, illumination ofa storage medium such as a DVD or CD, poster or picture which areilluminated under poor lighting conditions and an air purificationsystem all of which utilize UV-LED's.

B. Description of the Prior Art

In my U.S. patent Pending application Ser. No. 10/139,660 and a noticeof allowance on Nov. 4, 2003, incorporated herein by reference, I havedescribed various applications using UV-LED's. The following conceptscomprise various extensions to the basic patented invention of thepatent.

OBJECTIVE AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, accordingly, an objective of the present invention to extend theabove-mentioned uses of UV-LED's and provide a new and improved systemthrough which sufficient illumination or radiation can be provided toboth indicia of interest as well as logos and other decorative elements.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an improvedillumination device for viewing storage medium such as DVD's or CD's inlow light or in the dark.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an improvedillumination of indicia, numbers, or logos on knobs or control buttonsin a vehicle or an electronic device such as a stereo system.

Another objective of the invention is to provide illumination fromunderneath or behind an instrument or gauge for use in an automobile.

Another objective of the invention is to provide illumination ofcommercial or consumer advertising such as posters or pictures.

A further objective is to provide an air purification system usingUV-LED's that would decompose organic materials rather than absorb.

The present invention seeks to attain these objectives by disposing alight emitting element, on, inside or in close proximity of the center,sides, above or behind in an orderly, systematic or random placement andrendered light emissive or is activated by means of an electroniccircuit which is installed within or in close proximity of said article.

More particularly, the light source is disposed either on an innersurface or is imbedded within the cover or article itself, in such amanner that is aesthetic but functional and virtually invisible to theviewer.

In many instances various objects must be observable in the dark orunder low lighting conditions. In instances where it is not possible, orit is inconvenient to provide full illumination, low level lighting isprovided to light the observed object either directly, laterally, usingedge-effect type lighting or using backlight type illumination (whereinthe light source is built into or disposed behind the object to beobserved). However, these solutions have been found to be unsatisfactorybecause they provide mediocre lighting at best. Moreover, in manyinstances these types of devices are not pleasing esthetically.

For example, most automobiles, motorcycles or aeronautical vehicles usesome form of interior and/or instrument illumination for visibility atnight or in low visibility conditions. This illumination system isusually based on electroluminescent (EL), incandescent or LED devices,which require special controls, power supplies, dimmers and so on.

Another example where improved illumination would be useful are knobsand buttons for automotive and electronics such as a stereos. Under poorlighting conditions most knobs or buttons are provided with little or noillumination and accordingly they are very hard to see.

One effective means of lighting objects comprise so-called black lights.This type of lighting is particularly desirable for providingillumination under low lighting conditions and are especially usefulwhen used in combination with fluorescent inks or objects havingfluorescent colors applied on the object being illuminated. However,until now, all black light sources comprised high voltage tubes orincandescent lamps that have been coated with a filter adapted totransmit UV light and block most visible light. Typically these filtersdo allow a small amount of light to escape from the tube in the violetrange so that the light can be seen with the naked eye when turned on.

Similarly, a UV light source can be positioned in close proximity orwithin the housing of a CD/DVD and used to illuminate a fluorescent orphosphorescent treated storage medium such as a CD or DVD for viewing inlow light or in the dark.

As an integrated unit within a commercial display unit or around a frameor template the UV light source would be positioned for maximumillumination. Under the most efficient circumstances a single UV-LEDlight source could be positioned above the illuminated object at apredetermined distance for effective illumination but in manner thatinsures that it will not interfere with the users vision or periphery.The UV light source could be made to provide a broad radial pattern overthe entire area or modified with a directional cone or shield focusingthe light to the desired area for illumination.

Inks or other materials responsive to UV light (such as fluorescent andphosphorescent inks etc.) are applied onto or processed into the storagemedium such as a CD or DVD, knob or button, and could be made intoshapes, diagrams, logos, images or numerals in multiple colors such asred, green, yellow, orange, blue or purple.

A UV light source can also be used to decompose organic material. Thiscan prove to be most effective in air purification when the UV source ispositioned to intersect the airflow in a manner that would irradiateairborne organic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in connection with the appended drawings, in whichlike reference numerals indicate like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a storage medium;

FIG. 2 shows a laptop computer adapted to provide lighting in accordancewith this invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a storage medium in accordance with this invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a front view of a storage medium in a protectivejewel case;

FIG. 5 shows a device for displaying and promotion of items inaccordance with this invention;

FIG. 6 shows schematically an automotive center console with variouslighting arrangements in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 7A-C show of a picture frame;

FIG. 8A-E show a knob;

FIG. 9A-G shows details of a gauge; and

FIG. 10A-D shows a device for air purification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a typical storage media 18 such as CD, a DVD, a CDRW orother similar electronic storage medium. The media has a top surfacethat is provided with a label 22 that has been preferably treated withfluorescent or phosphorescent ink or other similar material that isresponsive to UV light, as discussed in more detail below. The termlabel is used herein broadly to cover a pure layer of UV responsivematerial deposited directly on the disc, as well as labels formed ofsubstrates with inks deposited thereon. Moreover, disc 18 may have oneor more such labels on its top side, bottom side and/or circumferentialperimeter.

The label may include or be provided in the form of a design, image,logo or indicia and, because it is responsive to UV light, it glows orfluoresces when exposed to a UV light source. It is important to notethat phosphorescent materials store the UV radiation and release theenergy as visible illumination for an extended length of time even whenthe UV source is removed or disabled. This is especially helpful foridentification or inspection purposes or during low visibilityconditions.

The labels can produce commercially, or using an office or home printerwith software capable of designing and printing labels using fluorescentor phosphor inks.

FIG. 2 shows a laptop computer 10 with a keyboard 12 illuminated by a UVsource 14. In addition, on one side, the laptop has a drive including atray 16 for selectively holding a disc 18, as shown. At least one UVsource such as a UV-LED 20 is positioned inside or over the tray toilluminate the disc 18. The UV-LED may also be positioned adjacent tothe tray, in close proximity to the tray, could pivot from a protectedposition within the tray or the housing of the laptop 10. The UV-LED canbe spring loaded so that as the tray 16 is opened, the UV-LED pops-up ina position from which it can illuminate the label 22 on disc 18. Thesame principles may be used to position the UV-LED in a standardcomputer, a portable clam shell device such as a Sony Walkman®, a clamshell device on a vertical or horizontal electronic stereo system, oreven in a container used to store the disc 18.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, when the tray 16 opens the UV-LED 20activates, remaining in the ‘on’ position until the tray is closed. TheUV-LED 20 can also be activated by a button (not shown) that is remotelyoperated, or positioned near the tray 16. The button can also be on thesurface of the disc 18. The button could also be preprogrammed toactivate in different increments, such as in three-second intervals, orrandomly.

A disc body 18A can also be provided with a prepackaged label 22 to formthe disc 18, the label bearing a design, image, logo or indicia andtreated with phosphorescent or fluorescent materials allowingillumination under ultraviolet light, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

What makes this idea novel is that a disc can be viewed in the darkusing ultraviolet light. This reading of the disc is both novel andpractical in a dark room, a club or vehicle. With the advent of UV-LEDsit will make it practical to focus a single LED onto the treated storagemedium and read the, artist, song, design, image, logo or indiciawithout activation of visible illumination.

FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a case (or jewel box) 24 holding disc 18 with atransparent or translucent cover 26. At least one light source,preferably a UV-LED 28 is positioned above the disc 18, for examplesecured to cover 26. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, two or moreUV-LEDs 28 may be positioned in the case around the disc 18 as shown.When the UV-LED is activated, it excites the phosphorescent orfluorescent inks on the label 22.

FIG. 5 shows a display case 30 having a display zone holding severaldiscs 18 with or without cases 26. The display case 30 further includeslateral walls 34 and an end wall 36 with a horizontal extension 42. Atleast one but preferably a plurality of UV-LEDs 38 are positioned on thesidewalls 34 or the extension 42. The UV-LEDs are systematically orrandom activated in order to excite the images, logos, designs orindicia which could be located on the display case, such as the wall 40,as well as the jewel boxes 26 within the display zone 32. Moreover, thezone 32 could also be used to hold watches or other products that haveelements treated with phosphorescent or fluorescent materials. Thisdisplay case 30 is effective for retail sales, trade shows and to drawattention to the products contained therein.

FIG. 6 shows at least one UV-LED 50 positioned in automotive dashboard52 in close proximity to the ejection system of a CD or DVD player 56.An automotive player 56 does not customarily have a tray but ejects thedisc 18. The UV-LED 50 could be located from within the dashboard 52,over, or from the side but in close proximity of the ejection area andwhen the disc is ejected it could illuminate in preprogrammed or randomincrements; such as three-second intervals. A separate activation buttoncould be placed on the face of the electronic system, or on a remotecontrol.

Other UV-LEDs can be positioned on, or in close proximity of other partsof the automotive center console 58. The UV-LEDs are positioned over, ina recessed or indented cavity, from the side but nonetheless provideindividual UV illumination for a button, knob or the like. This buttonor knob could be for adjustment of the heat, cold, ventilation, or evena clock. The button, knob or clock face could be treated with aphosphorescent or fluorescent material, which absorbs theelectromagnetic radiation and releases the stored energy as visibleillumination even after the UV-LED is deactivated.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show a picture frame 70 holding a picture 72 formedof an image, logo or design 74 on a substrate 76 of canvas, paper orother materials. The picture frame can hold, for instance, a promotionalmovie poster in a movie theatre. The picture 72 is encased or surroundedby edges 68 and a back panel (not shown). The edges 68 have a thicknessand ability to support a plurality of UV-LEDs 78. Each UV-LED 78 (inthis, and all the other embodiments) can be mounted on a flexiblecircuit 75 shown in FIG. 7B imbedded in the edges 68. As seen in FIG.7A, the UV-LEDs 78 are positioned to radiate and to provide illuminationto the picture 72 and excite the UV responsive elements 74. Preferably,a 10× UV-LED “tin can” structure is used with a wide radial pattern butUV-LEDs with narrow radial patterns can be pinpointed to specific areasof the picture 72. The UV-LED “tin can” package could be connected tothe flexible circuit 75 and could be positioned along the inner recessesof a frame or structure for cosmetic and esthetic reasons. The zones 74are made from or treated with fluorescent and/or phosphorescentmaterials together with visible paints.

Alternatively, instead of being imbedded in the frame, the UV-LEDs canbe mounted on cantilevered supports extending over the picture 72. Theframe 70 can also include a protective sheet 77 made of plastic orglass, and the cantilevered UV-LEDs can be secured to the sheet 77. TheUV-LEDs 78 can also be mounted straight on the sheet 77 and connected tothin, almost invisible conductors, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,486,561 incorporated herein by reference. The UV-LEDs would be angledto illuminate radiation towards, or from the side or from behind thepicture 72.

FIG. 7C shows a frame 70C that is a smaller version of the frame 70 inFIG. 7A, and can provide UV illumination for a smaller picture 72C. TheUV-LEDs 78C are positioned to illuminate radiation towards or along thesurface, the sides or from behind the picture. The UV-LEDs are providedin “tin can” packages soldered to a flexible circuit or could beindependently positioned to allow maximum illumination in a specifiedlocation. Ideally the illumination would provide an even distribution ofillumination along the surface, sides or from behind the picture 72C.

FIGS. 8A, 8B show an electromagnetic radiation device, preferably aUV-LED “tin can” 80 positioned under a knob 82 in a recessed area withthe radiation pointed downward or sideways at a surrounding disc- orsaucer-shaped dial 84 that is treated with phosphorescent or fluorescentmaterial. The dial 84 is provided with an image, logo, design, numeralsor other indicia 33 and glows when it becomes excited by the UVradiation. The knob 82 and dial 84 can be part of an electronic device.The image or indicia on dial 84 can have varying degrees of colorintensity starting, for example, from the 7 o'clock position 86 towardthe 5 o'clock position 88. The UV-LEDs render the indicia clearlyvisible under low lighting conditions or in the dark.

FIG. 8C, shows the top view of another knob 82C and dial 84C. The knob82 C includes at least one UV-LED 80C positioned and oriented to radiateat an angle downward, sideways or towards the indicia 83C made from ortreated with phosphorescent or fluorescent materials. As the knob 82C ordial 84C is turned the UV-LED excites only the portion of the indicia83C directly in front of, or below the UV-LED 80C. The indicia 83C canalso have numerous colors, which can correspond to various parameters,such as volume or intensity. Alternatively, the UV-LED 80, 80C isconnected to a current source that has a variable output indicative of apreselected parameter, and the intensity of the image 83, 83C is thenrelated to the parameter. The intensity of the UV-LED 80, 80C can alsobe varied as the knob 82, 82C is turned around its axis.

Another embodiment (not shown) includes an electromagnetic radiationdevice, preferably a UV-LED, on or around the interior center apertureor on the inside of the outer perimeter of a knob that could have animage (including logo, indicia or information recessed so that theUV-LED is angled from the side but could be above the image. The imageis treated with or made from phosphorescent or fluorescent materials sothat when the UV-LED emits radiation, the image stores the energy andreleases it as visible illumination even after the UV-LED is turned off.The recessed knob can have a clear or translucent cover over the entireknob so that the image is not worn from daily usage and also act as aprotective cover from damage. This recessed knob is very effective inautomotive, motorcycles, or aeronautics for viewing in low light or inthe dark.

FIGS. 8D and 8E show one or more electronic storage mediums such as a CDor DVD 81 mounted in an appropriate player 85. The player includes aread head 87 using a cantilever support. At least one UV-LED 80 ispositioned on the top, the side, underneath or in close proximity of theread head and releasing electromagnetic radiation toward the surface ofmedium 81 to excite the image 83D formed thereon. The player 85 includesseveral knobs 82 and dials 84 as shown.

FIGS. 9A-9F show another type of a gauge 90 on an instrument panel. Forexample, the gauge can be a speedometer or tachometer on a dashboard ofa vehicle. The gauge includes a disc shaped top layer 91 with a centralflange 92.

The second layer 93 of the gauge shown in FIG. 9B, is in the shape of asaucer or plate with a center aperture 94 receiving the flange 91. Onthe outer perimeter of second layer there are images 95 that may includenumbers, dashes or other indicia. The images 95 are made from or includefluorescent or phosphorescent materials

FIG. 9C shows the two layers 91 and 93 jointed connected at the centerflange 92.

FIG. 9D shows a circuit board 96 with a center aperture 97 and aplurality of UV-LEDs 98. Additional electronics (not diagramed) are alsodeposited on the circuit board 96 as required. The electronics and theUV-LEDs 98 are provided with power by conductors 96A ending withconnecting terminals 96B.

As shown in FIG. 9E, the circuit board 96 sandwiched between the layers91 and 93. The UV light from the UV-LEDs 98 travel between the twolayers to illuminate the images 95 on the outer perimeter.

The embodiment of FIG. 9F is similar to 9E with the exception that thecircuit board 96 is attached to the undersurface of layer 91. Theundersurface of layer 91 and the top surface of layer 93, could havereflective coatings therefore allowing the maximum electromagneticradiation to reach the outer perimeter and image 95.

FIG. 9G, is a top view of the gauge 90. When the UV-LEDs 98 areactivated the phosphorescent or fluorescent image 95 is excited andreleases energy as visible illumination. A needle 99 is mounted on topof the layer 91 and is rotatable by a shaft (not shown) passing throughlayers 91 and 93.

Alternatively, 4 UV-LEDs in “tin cans” can be mounted just underneaththe surface of the tachometer or speedometers face, allowing only thetop part of the “tin can” to show through the surface, but far enoughthrough the surface to allow the 180-degree electromagnetic radialpattern along the top of the surface. If any part of the perimeter weretreated with fluorescent or phosphorescent material, it would becomeexcited and release the stored energy as visible illumination.

FIG. 10A-10D show a device that uses high intensity UV-LEDs 100 that areset up to generate a cross hatching effect, creating an invisible sheetor plane of UV-rays 102. The UV-LEDs 100 generate radiation theultraviolet spectrum, providing an effective solid-state method of airpurification where the organic materials are decomposed, eliminatingairborne bacteria. The UV-LEDs 100 could be spaced evenly, randomly, ina cluster or in a radial alignment on a frame 104 to provide a radiationzone. The frame 104 is attached to or integrated with an air processingapparatus such as an air conditioner, humidifier, dehumidifier, heater,etc., in a car, airplane, office, home, etc. The frame 104 is positionedso that an air flow or stream A from or within the apparatus passesthrough the field 102 and airborne bacteria particles are destroyed. TheUV-LEDs could be positioned in front or behind an exiting air filter.The UV-LEDs could be designed to activate when the air processingapparatus is turned on, allowing outside air into the interior of theautomobile or air purification during an emergency situation. As theairborne particles or bacteria enters the ventilation and is passedthrough the UV-LED's electromagnetic radiation, they are quickly andefficiently decomposed, providing safety from outside airborne particlesand bacteria.

Obviously, numerous other modifications may be made to the inventionwithout departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.

1. An air purification device comprising a frame positioned in an airflow; and a plurality solid-state UV-LEDs mounted on said frame andgenerating a UV-field through which said air flow passes to destroyharmful elements in said air flow.